Foldable closure and actuating mechanism therefor



Dec. 3, 1957 ,J. J. AUERHAAN FOLDABLE CLOSURE AND ACTUATING MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed Nov. 5, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 .H H n JOSEP/I z/JUAWMAN INVENTOR.

Dec. 3, 1957 J. J. AUERHAAN I 2,8 ,0 2

FOLDABLE CLOSURE AND ACTUATING MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed Nov. 5, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 -34 JOSEPH J Al/[PHAM INVENTOR.

ATTO/P/VEV Dec 3, 957 J. J. AUERHAAN 2,815,072

FOLDABLE CLOSURE AND ACTUATING MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed Nov. 5, 1954 KSheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. 1/055 J AumwAA/v ATTOlP/Vf Unite tates Patent FOLDABLE CLOSURE AND ACTUATING MECHANISM THEREFOR Joseph J. Auerhaan, Flushing, N. Y., assignor to Barwel Manufacturing Company, Inc., Brooklyn, N. Y., a corporation of New York This invention relates to closures or Wall sections and is particularly directed to a foldable closure mechanism, which can be utilized in a wide range of Widths in an extensive range of applications including doors, walls, or sections of walls, partitions and the like.

The primary feature of applicants construction is that it is rigid, and maintains its form and contour over a wide range of sizes and widths and that it can be utilized with only minor modifications in a wide range of applications, such as walls or sections of walls, doors, partitions and other similar applications, the units being used either individually or in multiple sections of various sizes.

Another feature of the construction is that the depth of the unit from the forward edge to the rear edge thereof is held uniform at all times, regardless of the width adjustment, so that it occupies the full or a major portion of the depth of the opening in which it is installed, regardless of the width to which the closure is adjusted in a particular application.

Another feature of the construction is that the fabric folds are so supported that all junctions of the fabric folds are rounded, thus reducing the possibility of creasing and tearing the folds at the fold lines there-of to a minimum.

Another feature of the construction is that the frame is uniformly rigidly supported, regardless of the width to which it is adjusted, so that it can be slidably supported on a track or channel rail, to which only one end of the unit is slidably attached, the entire unit being readily and completely supported from one end thereof.

Another feature of the construction resides in the fact that the various elements comprising the folding mechanism are simple, readily controlled, and easily adjusted without special tools or equipment.

Another feature of the construction is the fact that the fabric is readily removable from the frame mechanism, so that it can be easily attached thereto and replaced by another fabric of another color or texture to suit the tastes or requirements of the user.

Another feature of the construction is that all of the component parts thereof are relatively simple to manufacture and of relatively low cost, individually rigid and corn pact, and easily assembled and adjusted to any required width.

Another feature of applicants construction is the fact that the covering fabric, or other material can be readily removed and replaced, so that a waterproof, or other type of material may be substituted therefor, and that a sound absorbing or other type of auxiliary material can be fitted between the lays of fabric, where multiple layers are used.

A major object of the invention is to provide a unit which can be used with equal facility in a wide range of applications and a wide range of sizes, the essentials of the construction and operation of the apparatus remaining fundamentally the same.

Essentially the same type of unit can be used as a door, a portion of a wall or a complete wall section, or as a partition or part of a partition, the units being used individually or in multiples of two or more, depending upon 2,815,072 Patented Dec. 3, 1957 the size and width of the opening, or space in which they are used.

The accompanying drawings, illustrative of one embodiment of my invention, and several modifications thereof, together with the description of their construction and the method of operation, adjustment and utilization thereof, will serve to clarify further objects and advantages of my invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 represents a front elevation of the assembled foldable closure actuating mechanism, with the fabric cover removed. i

Fig. 2 is a cross-section through the upper end of the foldable closure mechanism, shown in Fig. 1, with the fabric cover in place. i

Fig. 3 is a partial side elevation of the foldable closure mechanism, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, with the fabric cover removed.

Fig. 4 is a section through the intermediate crossmembers and the extensible linkage of the foldable closure mechanism, shown in Fig. 1, taken at 4-4, Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a cross-section through one of the vertical slides attached to the extensible linkage, shown in Fig. 1, and the auxiliary support rod therefor, taken at 5-5, Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a cross-section through the compressible end bumper and the supporting end channel to which it is attached, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, taken at 6-6, Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a cross-section through the suspension rail shown in Fig. 1 and the slide block slida'bly fitted thereto, taken at 7-7, Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged section through one side of the slide block and the lower flange of the suspension rail, shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a cross-section through a modification of the end channel, shown in Fig. 6, and a section through the bumper attached thereto.

Fig. 10 is a partial front elevation and a partial section through a modification of thet suspension rail and the pivoted slide blocks attached to the end channels, showing one step in a modified method of fitting the foldable closure mechanism to the suspension rail.

Fig. 11 is a front elevation and partial section through the suspension rail, similar to Fig. 10, showing the pivoted slide blocks, which are attached to the end channels, slidably fitted to the suspension rail lower flanges, indicating the final step in mounting the foldable closure mechanism on the suspension rail.

Fig. 12 is a cross-section through the suspension rail shown in Figs. 10 and 11, showing the slots through the suspension rail lower flanges, taken at 12-12, Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a bottom plan view of the suspension rail, shown in Figs. 11 and 12, showing the slots through the lower flanges of the suspension rail.

It will be understood that the following description of the construction, the method of installation and operation and the method of utilization of the foldable closure and actuating mechanism therefor is intended as explanatory of the invention and not restrictive thereof.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals designate the same parts throughout the various views, except where otherwise indicated.

One embodiment of the foldable closure mechanism, shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, comprises a plurality of equallyspaced front and rear hinged V-sections, located on opposite sides of the longitudinal closure center line, as indicated in Fig. 2, each of the intermediate hinged sections located between the extreme right and left-hand ends of the closure comprising a pair of angularly positioned hinged arms 10 and 11, made of a material of rectangular, or other suitable cross-section, the outer end of each of the hinged arms having a substantially circular looped end 12 or 14 integral therewith, each of the looped ends being pivotally attached to one of a series of substantially cylindrical vertical support rods 15, 15a, 15b, and 16, 16a, 16b, extending over substantially the entire height of the closure mechanism, the vertical support rods being substantially equally spaced and located at the front and rear extremities of the apparatus on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the actuating mechanism, as indicated in the plan view, Fig. 2. Each outer looped end 12 or 14 of the hinged arms is cut off at substantially the vertical center thereof, the cut off surface of the looped ends of adjacent hinged arms abutting one another, so thatthe hinged arms 1-0- -and 1 1 angularly located on opposite sides of each vertical support rod are in substantially vertical alignment with one another, as indicated in Fig. l.

The inner end of each of the hinged arms has a similar inner looped end 17 or 18 formed, integna-l therewith, the inner looped ends of adjoining hinged arms being p-ivotally attached to a hinge pin 19 or 20, the hinge pins being located onopposite sides of the longitudinal c-enterline of the mechanism, thus providing a continuous series of hinged \l-joints, which move inward and outward in unison, in order to vary the overall width of the fold-able closure mechanism.

The hinged V-sections located in the rear portion of the longitudinal centerline of the unit are essentially the same asthose in the forward portion thereof, each hinged V-section comprisingla pair of hinged arms 21 and 22, the outer end" of each hinged arm havingya circular looped end 23 integral therewith, the outer looped ends being pivotally attached to the adjacent rear vertical support rod, 16, 16a or 16b.

Similarly, the inner end of each hinged arm 21 or 22 has an inner looped end 24 integral therewith, the inner looped ends being pivotally attached to a relatively short hinge pin 20, located parallel to the hinge pins 19 supporting the forward hinged arms, at opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline.

A cross-member 25 or 25a, consisting of a long relatively flat member of. substantially rectangular cross-seetion, each cross-member having a pair of substantially circular loops 2 6 and 27 formed at the extreme ends thereof, is mounted between each pair of front and rear vertical support rods located on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the apparatus, the cross-members being located above the hinged V-sections in the upper portion of the apparatus, as indicated in Fig. l. The loops at the ends of the cross-members are fitted around the vertical support rods 15 and 16, located on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline, which support the hingedV-se-ctions, thus positively maintaining the spacing between the hinged V-sections, regardless of the longitudinal position thereof, the, depth of the foldable closure mechanism between the front and the rear extremities thereof being consequently maintained at a uniform distance regardless of the width adjustment thereof between the left and right-handedges.

As indicated in Fig. l, the looped ends 26 and 2 7 of the upper cross-members 25 are attached to the vertical support rods 15 and 16 above the looped end of the adja-. cent hinged arms, in the upper portion of the unit, shown in Fig. 1, one edge of the looped end 26 or 27 of the cross-member abutting the adjacent looped end,14 of each hinged arm 11, thus rigidly and accuratelylocating the vertical support rods and the spacing therebetween relative to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus.

Asindicated at the bottom. of' Fig. l, the looped ends 26a of the lower cross-members are located below the outer looped end 12a or 14a at the adjacent end, of'the lower hinged arms 10b and 11b respectively,-one edge of the cross-member looped, end 26a abutting the adjacent edge of thehinge arm outer loop 12 thus maintaining the spacing between the vertical support rods at-the lower end of the mechanism in alignment with the upper end, the upper and lower cross-members providing a rigid frame structure in combination with the vertical support rods.

A pair of extensible linkages is mounted at two intermediate points along the vertical support rods of the foldable closure mechanism, as indicated in Fig. 1, the extensible linkages being located substantially on the longitudinal centerline of the foldable closure mechana ism, as shown in Fig. 2

Each extensible linkage comprises a plurality of equally-spaced angularly positioned links 28 and 29, made of a flat material of substantially rectangular crosssection, the center of each pair of angularly positioned intersecting links being pivotally connected by a central pivot pin or rivet 30, or other suitable pivot joint, as indicated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4.

The upper end of each pair of pivotally connected links 28 and 29 is pivotally connected by another pivot pin 31, the lower end of each pair of adjoining angularly positioned links 29 and 2811 being similarly pivotally connected by a lower pivot pin or rivet 32, the three pivot pins allowing the hinged V-sections attached to, the up-. per and lower ends of the vertical support rods to be moved inward and outward, thus adjusting the overall width of the foldable closure mechanism, the extensible linkages being accurately co-ordinated with the lateral movement of the vertical support rods when the overall width of the foldable closure is adjusted.

As indicated in Figs. 1 and 4, the center of each pair of angular crossed links 28 and 29, is so positioned that it is in substantial alignment with the corresponding vertical support rods 15 and 16, located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the unit, the central pivot pin 30 connecting the center of the two crossed arms 28' and 29 being attached to the flanges of a pair of intermediate cross-members 34 and 35, the outer ends of which are attached to the corresponding vertical support rods.

A pair of intermediate short cross-members 34 and 35 is fitted between the central pivot pin, or rivet 30 connecting each pair of angular links 28 and 29 of the ad jacent extensible linkage, and the corresponding vertical support rods 15 and 16, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 4, each intermediate cross-member 34 or 35 having a substantially circular loop 36 or 37 respectively formed at the outer end thereof, the loops .36 and 37 being fitted to the vertical support rods 15 and 16 located at the extreme front and rear of the mechanism in substantial vertical alignment with the loops 26 and 27 formed at the extreme ends of the upper and'lower crossmembers 25 and 25b, thus supporting the intermediate portions of the vertical support rods 15 and 156, located at the front andrear of the apparatus, and maintaining the support rods substantially straight overtheir entire height, the overall length of each pair of intermediate cross-members plus the thickness of the adjacent pair of intersecting pivoted links of the extensible linkage to which they are attached, being substantially equal tothe overall length of the upper and lower cross-members 25 and 25b respectively between the end loops thereof, which determine the overall depthof the apparatus,- between the front and rear extremities thereof.

A flange 38 or 39 is formed integral with the centralend of each of the intermediate short cross-members 34- an opening therethrough, the openings being fitted over the adjacent central pivot pin or rivet 30, thus accurately aligning the central portion of the extensible linkage with the front and rear vertical support rods 15 and 16.

Each of the central pivot pins 30 may be in the form of a rivet, or screw, or other suitable pivot support means, each rivet having heads 41 and 41a formed at the opposite ends thereof to retain the intermediate crossmember flanges 38 and 39 in their proper relation to the angular cross-links 28 and 29 of the extensible linkage.

The spacing between the heads 41 and 41a at opposite ends of each rivet 30 provides a relatively free or loose fit relative to the intermediate cross-member flanges 38 and 39, so as to allow relatively free movement of the links of the extensible linkage, when the width of the foldable closure mechanism is adjusted in either direction.

Each of the right and left-hand links 42 and 43 of the upper extensible linkage located adjacent the ends thereof has an extension integral therewith, the extension projecting beyond the body of the link in substantial alignment therewith. As indicated in Figs. 1 and 5, each link extension has an opening therethrough adjacent the end thereof, a rivet or screw 44 fitted through the opening pivotally supporting a pair of substantially parallel flanges integral with a slide 45 or 45a, which consists of two parallel flanges and a looped portion integral with one end of the flanges located on substantially the centerline between the two flanges. The looped portion of each slide located adjacent the flanges is slidably fitted to a substantially vertical auxiliary support rod 46 or 47 mounted near the longitudinal axis of the foldable mechanism, the upper end of the auxiliary support rod, which is offset in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the unit, being supported by a substantially vertical end channel 48 or 49 located at the extreme left and right-hand ends of the mechanism respectively, or a formed and cross-member 50 or 51, attached to each of the channels as indicated in Fig. 2.

The slides 45 and 45a fitted to the auxiliary vertical support rods 46 and 47 serve to guide and support the lengthened links 42 and 43 of the extensible link-age adjacent the ends thereof, thus maintaining the extensible linkage in a position substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mechanism, regardless of the angular position of the individual crossed links 28 and 29 forming the extensible linkage, or the adjusted width of the foldable closure mechanism.

As indicated in Fig. 2, a formed and cross-member 50 having a substantially rectangular channel section 52 integral therewith, at substantially the center thereof, is attached to the left-hand end of the unit, the fiat end wall of the channel section 52 of the end cross-member being attached to the flat inner wall of the U-shaped end channel, the end cross-member 50, which is made of a material of substantially rectangular cross-section being in substantially vertical alignment with the hinged arms and 21 of the front and rear V-sections respectively. As indicated in Fig. 2, the left end cross-member has a pair of loops 53 and 54 integral with the ends thereof, the loops being attached to the front and rear vertical end support rods b and 16]), thereby maintaining the end support rods in a position substantially parallel to the intermediate support rods 15 and 16. The upper end 55 or 56 of each auxiliary support rod, is offset slightly in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the unit, as indicated in Fig. l, in order to enable the loop of the slide 45 or 45a to clear the inner wall of the vertical end channel 48 or 49 when the slide 45 or 45a is moved up and down in coordination with the movement of the lengthened links 42 and 43 of the extensible linkage.

The looped ends 53 and 54 of the end cross-member 50 are cut away at substantially the vertical center thereof, as indicated in Fig. 1, the cutaway central surface of each looped end abutting the corresponding looped outer end 12 or 14 of the left-hand end hinged arm 11a, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 2.

A right end cross-member 51 is fitted to the right-hand end of the unit, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 2, the two sections of the body of the right-hand end cross-member being angularly oflset slightly in order to bring the central outer wall 51a, located at substantially the center of the rightend cross-member into abutment with the adjacent inner wall of the vertical right end channel 49, to which it is attached. The right-hand end cross-member 51 has a pair of substantially circular loops 57 integral with the ends thereof, the loops being fitted to the right-hand end vertical support rods 15c and 16c, in the same manner as those at the left hand end of the unit.

The offset section 56 of the right-hand auxiliary support rod 47 is attached to the inner surface of the offset central outer Wall 51a of the right end cross-member in order to enable the slide 45a to clear the adjacent inner wall of the right-hand vertical channel 49, when the lengthened link 43 of the extensible linkage is moved inward.

A fabric covering is fitted around the outer surfaces of the hinged arms 10 and 11 and 21 and 22, the inner surface of the folds of the fabric being fitted around the loops 12 and 14, at the outer ends of the hinged. arms, thus enabling the angular folds 58 and 59 of the fabric to fit between the adjacent hinged arms, when the hinged V- sections are in their collapsed position. The flat central portion of each of the hinged arms 10 and 11 is offset slightly relative to the inner loop 17 or 18 of each of the hinged arms, the straight portion being substantially tangent to the inner loop 17 or 18 of the hinged arm, thus providing a gap between the flat central portions of adjacent hinged arms 11) and 11, and in that manner preventing creasing of the inner edges of the fabric cover, located between the fabric folds 58 and 59, when the hinged arms are in their completely collapsed position.

The fabric fold 58 located adjacent one of the hinged arms 11 engages the inner surface of the flat portion of the hinged arm 11, the fabric fold being attached to the hinged arm by means of a clip 60 or other suitable attaching means, the fabric fold 59, which is located near the mating hinged arm 13a, clearing the inner surface of the hinged arm by a short distance in order to allow the rounded portion at the central intersection between the two fabric folds to fit freely between the hinged arms, creasing of the fabric joint being prevented by the offset position of the flat portion of each of the hinged arms as hereinbefore described.

The right-hand ends 61 and 62 of the front and rear portion of the fabric cover are wrapped around the parallel legs of the right-hand vertical channel 49, as indicated in Fig. 2, to enable the ends of the fabric to be attached to the channel legs.

The left-hand ends 63 and 64 of the front and rear sections of the fabric cover are similarly wrapped around the parallel legs of the left-hand vertical channel 48, in

p the manner shown in Figs. 2 and 6.

Where the foldable closure unit is relatively narrow, a single slide block 65 such as that shown in Figs. 1 and 2, attached to one side of the unit is adequate in order to support the assembled unit. Where wider foldable closure units are used, a similar slide block is attached to the opposite side of the unit, the slide blocks being supported by a suspension rail in the manner shown in Figs. 2 and 7. A substantially rectangular slide block 65 having a pair of grooves 66 and 67 cut into the sides thereof, is mounted at the left-hand side of the unit, as indicated in Figs. 1, 2 and 7, the slide block being supported by a right angle formed sheet metal angle 68, the vertical leg of which is attached to the inner wall of the left-hand vertical channel 48, with the horizontal leg of the angle attached to the bottom surface of the slide block 65.

The cross-section of the grooves 66 and 67 in the sides of the slide block 65 may be rectangular, or in the form of a trapezoid as shown in Fig. 8, the height of the groove at theouter edge of the slide block, being shorter than that at the bottom of the groove, to provide line contact atcthe point of engagement with the suspension rail surface, thusreducing the friction of the slideblock relative to; the suspension rail surface to, a minimum.

Inorder to slidably suspend the foldable closure mechanism from the top wall of the opening, or other. point of support, depending upon the type of. application, in which the closure mechanism is used, a long suspension rail 69 is attached to, or suspended from the point of support, the upper wall of the rail being attached to the upper; wall of the opening, or other suitable point of atachrnen t The suspension rail 69 may be made in the formof a; channel, ofoval orv other suitable cross-section, the rail havingapair of relatively flat flanges 70 and 71, located adjacent the central gap between the inner edges of the flanges, the-flanges being fitted to the trapezoidal, or other form-of grooves 66 and 67 in the sides of the slide block 65, thus enabling the slide block is be slid along the suspension rail flanges in order to adjust the width of the foldable closure mechanism.

Where afoldable closure of greater overall width than that shown in Figs. 1 and 2'is used, another rectangular, or: other form of slide block, similar to the left-hand slide block, 65 is attached to the upper end of the unit adjacent thev right hand edge thereof, the slide block being attached to the right-hand channel by means of an angle, or other suitable attaching means in substantially the same manner as the slide block shown in Figs. 1 and 7.

As indicated in Figs. 2 and 6, a long bumper made of rubber or other suitable compressible material, extending. over substantially the entire height of the foldable' closure mechanism, is mounted adjacent the outer end of the legs of the left-hand vertical channel 48, or at the ends of both the right and left-hand vertical channels, depending upon the type of installation for which the foldable closure is to be used.

The bumper, as shown in Fig. 6, comprises a back plate 72, which is mounted adjacent the open end of the legs of the channel 48, with a pair of longitudinal projections or fins 73 and 74 integral with the back plate the. projections extending beyond the left-hand edge of theback plate. The projections or fins 73 and 74, which have sloping sides, the outer open end of each of the projections or fins being considerably thinner than the thickness at the junction with the back plate 72 are located in such a manner that they either dovetail with the fins of a similar bumper attached to the right hand edge of an adjoinnig foldable closure, or the bumper projections may engage the side wall of the door jamb, or other form of opening in which the unit is mounted to seal the opening.

The bumper projections or fins 73 and 74 are offset relative to the vertical axis of the leftehand channel, as indicated in Fig. 6, to enable the mating vertical fins of a bumper attached to the right-hand end of an adjoining foldable closure mechanism to be fitted to the spaces between the fins 73 and 74 of the bumper, thus enabling two foldable closure units to be mounted side by side in the same opening or wall section in which the unit is mounted, the projections or fins of the adjoining bumpers being interlocked with one another, to provide a seal between the adjoining foldable closure sections.

The projecting ends 63 and 64 of the fabric at the left hand. side of the unit are wrapped around the open end of the adjacent legs of the channel 48, the bumper back plate 72 being pressed against the adjacent edge of the fabric cover, which fits over the channel leg. The back plate of the bumper may be secured to the channel legs by means of clips, angles, or other suitable attaching means.

Where two or more foldable closure units are in a single wide opening or wall section, a compressible bumper similar to that shown at the left-hand channel 48, Fig.

2- and in Fig. 6, is attached; to the rightrhand verticals channel 49, the bumper being constructed. in substan, tially the same manner, with the-projections orfins there:

of offset relative to the verticall center line of thezclianr.

nel; to enable another bumper attached: to the left-hand channel. oftheadjoining foldable closure unit tolinterlock. With, the P je n fins of: the right-hand bumper.

Where wider foldable closure unitsrequiringadditional slidable support areused, ant additional slide blocksimilar to the slidebloek 65 attached to, the left-handxend.

of the unit, is mounted adjacent theright-handend thereof, the slide block being attached, to the inner wall. of the right-hand channel: 49: by means of an. angle 6.8.such as that shown in Figs. 1' and 7, or by other suitable at-v taching means.

The right-hand; slide; block has a pair. of longitudinal:

grooves of trapezoidal, rectangular or other suitable.cross-. section cut into both sides thereof, in substantiallyv the same maner as theslide block shown at' the left-hand side, Fig. 1 and;-inFig.,7.

The construction: of. the lower. portion of the foldable closure mechanism is-substantially the same as the upper portiontherecf- As indicated; in Figc 1,, the lower extensible linkage, which is located below the upper extensible linkage is onstructed andis nrert d in substantially he m man: ner as he upper: extensible link The ght and left-hand, angularly positioned. pivoted links. 76 and 7.7;,1oca ed adjacent theendsof the lower xtens le. link ge, each. has: a depending extension int g l herewi h; the. xtension-projecting beyond the lower ud f thebo y ofthe link insubstantial-alignment therewith;

Asind cat d at the hcttom of Fig,- 1, each depending xtension of thecrossed:endalinks'ldand'it: hasan opene thereof being slidably fittedtoalower auxiliary'support rod. 78 or 79 mounted adjacent the left and right-hand; ends of the unit, the lower offset. end of each auxiliary. support rod being supported by the vertical end channel 48 or. 49, or a formed end lower cross-member attached:

to each of the left and right-hand channels in the same manner as those shown in Fig. 2. The lower portion of each of the auxiliary support rods, which is attached to the adjacent formed end cross-member is ofiset to a certain extent from the body of the auxiliary support rod to provide clearance for the looped portion of each slide to enable it to clear the inner wall of the adjacent end channel 48 or 49 in the manner shown in Figs. 1' and 5, when the slide is moved upward and downward relative to the auxiliary support rod by the movement of the extremity of each extension of the end links 76 and 77, While the extensible linkage is expanded or contracted to adjust the width of the foldablc closure mechanism to conform to the width of the opening to which it is fitted.

The slides 45 fitted to the lower auxiliary support rods 78'and 79, co-operate with the slides 45 and 45a attachedto the extensions of the upper end links 42 and 43 of the upper. extensible linkage in maintaining the upper and lower extensible linkages in alignment'with one another in a positionparallel to the longitudinal axis of the foldable closure mechanisnrand the vertical support rods 15 and 16, thus maintaining the parallel relation of the front and rear vertical support rods 15 and 16, regardless of the relative angular position of the individual crossedas those shown in the upper portion of Fig. 1 and inFig. 2, each of the intermediate lower V-sections mounted adjacent the bottom of the unit comprising a pair of angularly positioned hinged arms 18a and 11a, the outer end of each of the hinged arms having a substantially circular looped end 12a or 14a integral therewith, each of the looped ends being pivotally attached to the adjacent vertical support rod 15 or 16 adjacent the lower end thereof.

The inner end of each of the hinged arms a and 11a has a similar looped end integral therewith, the inner looped ends being pivotally connected by a hinge pin, two rows of which are located on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the apparatus, in the same manner as those shown in the upper portion of the unit, Fig. 1, and in Fig. 2.

A cross-member 25b is mounted at the lower end of the unit between each pair of support rods and 16, located on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the unit, each cross-member having a pair of looped ends 26a and 27a formed at the ends thereof, the looped ends being fitted to the lower end of the vertical support rods 15 and 16 located on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the unit, in the same manner as the upper cross-members shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The lower cross-members 25b may be located adjacent the bottom of the unit, the looped ends thereof being located below the looped ends 1211 and 14a of the adjacent hinged arms lila and 11a, or the cross-members may be located above the hinged V-sections.

In the same manner, the upper cross-members 25, 50 and 51 may be located adjacent the top of the unit, as shown in the upper portion of Fig. l, or the cr-ossmembers 25 may be located below the hinged arms 18 and .11 and 21 and 22 of the upper V-hinged sections, the looped ends 26 and 27 of the upper cross-members being located below the looped ends of the hinged arms 10 and 11 to enable the hinged arms to be located closer to the top and bottom of the unit.

Fig. 9 shows a modification of the end channelconstruction shown in Figs. 1 and 6 and a modified method of supporting the bumper attached to the end channel.

The end channel 81 has a pair of flanges 82 and 82a integral with the side walls thereof, the flanges which have a wide space between the inner ends thereof being substantially parallel to the inner wall of the channel.

The bumper 83, which is essentially the same as that shown in Fig. 6, and hereinbefore described, has a pair of rectangular grooves 84 and 84a in the sides thereof, behind the back plate 85 .of the bumper, to receive the ends of the flanges 82 and 82a of the channel adjacent the gap therebetween.

The projections or fins integral with the bumper, shown in Fig. 9, are essentially the same as those shown in Fig. 6, the bumper being constructed and functioning in substantially the same manner as that shown in Fig. 6.

The projecting ends 86 and 87 of the fabric cover which are fitted to the side walls of the channel 81 are wrapped around the flanges 82 and 82:: thereof, the grooves 84 and 84a in the sides of the bumper 83 receiving the Wrapped ends of the fabric when the channel flangesare fitted thereto, thereby gripping the projecting ends 86 and 87 of the fabric cover, and accurately locating the bumper and the fabric cover relative to the end channel 81.

Figs. 10, 11 and 12 show a modification of the suspension rail, shown in Figs. 1 and 7, and a modified method of supporting the slide blocks on the end channels.

In the modified construction shown in Figs. 10 and 11, a slide block 88 or 89 is pivotally attached to each of the end channels 48 and 49 located at opposite ends of the foldable closure mechanism, a pivot pin or screw 90 welded or otherwise attached to the inner wall of each of the channels pivotally supporting the adjacent slide block.

Each slide block has a pair of grooves of trapezoidal or rectangular cross-section in the sides thereof, the

grooves being essentially the same as those shown in Figs. 7 and 8 and receiving the lower flanges of the suspension rail in substantially the same manner.

The suspension rail 92, which supports the slide blocks, is essentially the same as that shown in Figs. 1 and 7, the suspension rail having a pair of relatively flat lower flanges 93 and 94 integral therewith, as indicated in Figs. 10 and 12, the lower flanges which are substantially parallel to the upper wall of the suspension rail having a wide gap therebetween.

As indicated in Figs. 11 and 13, a slot 95 or 96 of rectangular or other contour is cut through the inner edge of each of the suspension rail lower flanges near the left-hand end of the suspension rail, the length of the slots 95 and 96 being slightly greater than the length of each of the slide blocks 88 or 89, the distance between the outer edges of the slots 95 and 96 across the gap between the suspension rail lower flanges being somewhat greater than the width of the slide blocks 88 and 89 to enable the slide blocks 88 and 89 to be progressively inserted therethrough in the manner shown in Fig. 13 and hereinafter described in greater detail.

In assembling the foldable closure mechanism to the suspension rail, the entire unit is reversed from the position shown in Fig. 1, the left-hand end channel 48, Fig. 1, being located at the right-hand side, Fig. 10, with the opposite end channel 49 located at the left-hand side, Fig. 10. The slide block 89 pivotally attached to the normally right-hand end channel 49 is inserted through the slots 95 and 96 in the lower suspension rail flanges, the grooves at the sides of the slide block being slidably fitted to the inner ends of the lower flanges 93 and 94 of the suspension rail. After the first slide block 89 is inserted through the flange slots, it is moved rightward to the position shown in Fig. 10, after which the entire foldable closure mechanism is rotated through 180 about the slide block pivot pin 90 until the end channels 48 and 49 and the slide blocks attached thereto assume their normal relative positions shown in Fig. 11, which are essentially the same as those shown in Fig. 10.

With the end channels48 and 49 and the slide blocks 88 and 89 located in their normal relative positions, the left-hand slide block 88, Fig. 11, is inserted through the slots and 96 in the flanges of the suspension rail, after which the left-hand slide block 88 is moved leftward to the position shown in Fig. 11, the inner ends of the suspension rail flanges 93 and 94 being received by the grooves in the sides of the left-hand slide block 88.

In this position, the foldable door mechanism is completely suspended from the suspension rail 92 and can be operated in its normal manner, similar to that shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and hereinbefore described.

In place of the two slide blocks 88 and 89' located at opposite ends of the unit, shown in Figs. 10 and 11, a single slide block 88, pivotally or otherwise attached to the left-hand end channel 48 may be substituted, particularly where a relatively narrow foldable closure mechanism is employed.

In this construction, the left-hand slide block 88 may be inserted through the slots 95 and 96 in the suspension rail lower flanges and slid leftward along the flanges to the position shown in Fig. 11, which is substantially the same as that shown in Fig. 1, the foldable closure mechanism being operated in substantially the same manner as that shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and hereinbefore described.

As the left-hand end channel 48 is normally attached to the adjacent wall of the door jamb or other opening into which the foldableclosure mechanism is fitted, the left-hand end channel 48 and the slide block 88 attached thereto remain stationary, the width of the closure mechanism being adjusted by moving the right-hand end channel 49, Figs. 1 and 11, toward and away from the lefthand end channel 48.

In all other respects, the construction and operation of the foldable. closure mechanism when fitted with atsinglev pivoted slide block issubstantiallythesame as that shown in Fig. 1.

A bumper such as. that shown in Fig, 6,v or Fig. 9 may be attached to the leftahand: channel: 48. Where the mechanism is used in multiple, a mating bumper, such as that shown in Fig. 6, or Fig. 9* may be attachedv to the right-hand channel, the. fins of the right-hand. bumper being aligned to clear those of the left-hand bumper of an adjoining unit. a

The combination of: the upper cross-members 25, t)

and 51 connecting the upper ends. of the verticalv support rods and 16 and the lower cross-members 2522 connecting the lower. ends of the vertical support rods, to gether with the intermediate cross members 34' and 35 provide a rigid support for the front and rear support rods 15 and 16, thus rigidly supporting and maintaining the. alignment of thevertical support rods and providing a. rigid framework for the' unit: regardless of the: adjusted width, of the unit or the overall size thereof.

Regardless .ofthe number of angularly positioned links forming each of the. upper and lower extensible linkages, the. junction between each pair of pivoted crossedlinks is: located in the samerelation to the corresponding pair of vertical support rods 15 and 16, the intermediate cross members 3,4and35 connecting the pivoted center of each pair: of crossed linkswith the correspondingvertical support rod;

Theends of the fabric cover may be wrapped around the legs. of the side channels 48 and 49 in the manner shown in Figs. 2 and 6, or other suitable means for attaching the fabric cover to the side channels or other portion of the. operating mechanism. of the unit may be provided.

The. fabric fold'58, shown in'Fig. Z'may be attached to the adjacent hinged arm. 11 01 22 by means of a clip 60, such as that shown in Fig. 2, or other suitable means for attaching the fabric cover-to the hinged arms 11, 11a and 22, 22a of theupper and: lower hinged V-sections may be provided.

The-:slide'blocks. may pivotally beattached to the end channel-columns inthe manner shown in Figs. 10 and 11, on they may. be. attached thereto, or supported by other suitable. attaching means, suchas that shown in Fig. l.

The-methodrof fitting theslide blocks to-the flanges of thesuspensionrail maybe varied from that shown in Figs. 10.:and 11,.dependingupon the method of construction of the slide, blocks and the method of attaching them to the end-ohannel=columns.

The end channel. columns. may be constructed in the form shown in Fig. 9, with apair of outer: flanges with a gap therebetween integralltherewith, where a compressible. bumper is used, to. enable the flanges to fit into the grooves in the. bumper, or the end channel columns may be substantially U-sshaped, as indicated in Figs. 2 and 6.

Where the foldable closure mechanism is made to fit an. exceptionally high opening, relative to the extended width thereof, and additional extensible linkage may be mounted approximately at the vertical center between the upper'andzlower extensible linkages, an additional set of intermediate cross-members being provided to align and support the vertical support rods.

The unit may be made in a wide range of sizes and widths to suit a wide range of applications, the features of the construction remaining essentially the same.

Except for the size of the unit and the method ofsupporting it, essentially the same type of unit can be used for doors, walls or sections of walls, and partitions in which the unit may be used individually or in multiples, the essentials of the construction and operation of the apparatus remaining the same.

It will be apparent to those. skilled in the art that my present; invention is. not limited'to the specificdetailsxdescribed above and shown in the drawings, and. that. variousmodifications are possible in carryingout the features '12 of the invention and the operation, actuation, installation and the method of utilization thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

' 1'. In a foldable closure mechanism having columns at opposite ends thereof, the combination of a pair of rows ofsupport members located in parallel planes substantially parallel to the plane through the end columns, a plu-) rality of hinged V-sections mounted in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane through the support members adjacent the extreme ends of the support members, each of said hinged V-sections having a pair of angularly positioned hinged arms, the outer end of each pair of hinged arms being in substantial alignment with the adjacent support member, each support member pivotally supporting the hinged joint between the adjacent pair of hinged arms, means fixedly connecting each pair of support members located in substantial alignment with one another on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the apparatus, a plurality of extensible linkages mounted between the hinged V-sections in a plane parallel to the plane through the end columns, each of said extensible linkages comprising a plurality of angularly positioned crossed links, each pair of crossed links being pivotally connected adjacent the center thereof, and means fixedly connecting the pivoted connection between the center of each pair of crossed links with the corresponding pair of support members, the distance between each pair of support members being maintained substantially constant regardless of the adjusted spacing between the end columns.

2. In a foldable closure mechanism having columns at the ends thereof and readily movable toward and away from each other, the combination of a plurality of hinged V-sections located adjacent the upper and lower extremities of said foldable closure mechanism in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane through the end columns, each of the hinged V-sections consisting of a pair of hinged arms pivotally connected to one another, a pair of rows of support rods mounted substantially perpendicularly to the plane of said hinged V-sections, the extreme forward and rear ends of said hinged arms being pivotally attached to said support rods, a plurality of cross-members mounted in proximity to said hinged V-sections, each of said cross-members being fixedly attached to an aligned pair of support rods located on opposite sides of the longitudinal foldable. mechanism axis, a plurality of extensible linkages mounted between said hinged V-sections in a plane substantially perpendicular thereto, each of said extensible linkagesv consisting of a plurality of angularly positioned crossed links, the center of each pair of crossed links being located in a fixed relation to the corresponding pair of support rods located on opposite sides of the iongitudinal axis, means fixedly connecting the pivoted connection between the center of each pair crossed links with the corresponding pair of support rods located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, slide means pivotally attached to. one angularly positioned link of each extensible linkage adjacent each end of said linkage, means reciprocatingly supporting each of said slide means, and a fabric cover fitted around the support rods and the adjoining hinged arms.

3. In a foldable closure having columns at opposite ends thereof and readily movable toward and away from each other, the combination of a pair of rows of substantially parallel support rods, a plurality of hinged V-sections mounted in a plane substantially perpendicular to the planes through the support rods adjacent the ends of said support rods, each of said hinged V-sections consisting of a pair of hinged arms, the outer end of each pair of hinged arms being pivotally attached to one of the support rods, the ends of each pair of adjacent hinged arms opposite the other ends thereof being pivotally connected to one another, a primary cross-member mountedin a plane parallel to each pair of support rods located on. Opposite sidesof the longitudinal axis fixedly conattrac /'2 necting each pair of support rods, a plurality of extensible linkages mounted between the hinged V-sections in a plane substantially parallel to the plane through the end columns, each of said extensible linkages consisting of a plurality of angularly positioned crossed links, each pair of crossed links being pivotally connected adjacent the center thereof, an intermediate cross-member fixedly connecting the pivoted center of each pair of crossed links with the aligned pair of support rods located on opposite sides of the longitudinal foldable mechanism axis, a slide member pivotally attached to one angularly positioned link of each extensible linkage adjacent each end of said extensible linkage, and means reciprocatingly supporting each of said slide members.

4. In a foldable closure mechanism having columns at the ends thereof and readily movable toward and away from each other, the combination of a plurality of hinged V-sections mounted in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane through the end columns, each of said hinged V-sections consisting of a pair of hinged arms pivotally connected to one another at the outer extremities thereof, means pivotally connecting the ends of adjacent pairs of hinged arms opposite the outer extremities, a pair of rows of aligned support rods mounted substantially parallel to the plane through the end columns, the extreme end of each pair of hinged arms located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis being pivotally attached to the adjacent support rod, a primary cross-member mounted in alignment with each pair of support rods, each cross-member being substantially perpendicular to the support rods and fixedly attached to the support rods located adjacent the ends thereof, a plurality of extensible linkages mounted between the hinged V-sections in a plane substantially parallel to the plane through the end columns, each of said extensible linkages consisting of a plurality of angularly positioned crossed links, means pivotally connecting the center of each pair of crossed links, the pivoted center of each pair of crossed links being located in a fixed relation to the corresponding pair of support rods, means fixedly connecting the pivoted center of each pair of crossed links with the corresponding pair of support rods located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, a slide member pivotally attached to one angularly positioned crossed link of each extensible linkage adjacent each end thereof, and means reciprocatingly supporting each of said slide members.

5. A foldable closure mechanism having a pair of columns at the extreme ends thereof, comprising a plurality of hinged V-sections mounted in a plane perpendicular to the plane through the end columns, each of said hinged V-sections consisting of a pair of hinged arms pivotally connected to one another at the outer extremities thereof, a pair of rows of support rods mounted substantially parallel to the end columns on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, the extreme end of each pair of hinged arms located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis being pivotally attached to the adjacent support rod, means pivotally connecting the ends of adjoining hinged arms opposite the outer extreme ends thereof, a primary cross-member mounted in a plane substantially parallel to each pair of support rods located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, in alignment with each pair of support rods, each of said cross-members being fixedly attached to the support rods adjacent the ends thereof, a plurality of extensible linkages mounted between the hinged V-sections in a plane substantially parallel to the end columns, each of said extensible linkages consisting of a plurality of angularly positioned crossed links, means pivotally connecting the center of each intersecting pair of crossed links, means located substantially parallel to the primary cross-members fixedly connecting the pivoted center between each pair of crossed links with the corresponding pair of support rods located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, a slide member pivotally attached to one angularly positioned link of each extensible linkage 14 adjacent each end thereof, and means fixedly mounted adjacent each of the end columns reciprocatingly supporting the adjacent slide member.

6. A foldable closure mechanism having a pair of columns at the extreme ends thereof, comprising a plurality of hinged V-sections mounted in a plane perpendicular to the plane through the end columns, each of said hinged V-sections consisting of a pair of hinged arms, the outer extremity of each of said hinged arms having a looped end thereon, a pair of rows of support rods mounted substantially parallel to the plane through the end columns on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, the looped extreme ends of each pair of adjoining hinged arms being pivotally connected to the adjacent support rod, each pair of hinged arms being outwardly offset relative to the inner looped end axis to provide a gap between the inner ends of adjoining hinged arms when the foldable closure mechanism is collapsed, a primary cross-member mounted in plane substantially parallel to the plane through each pair of support rods on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, each of said primary cross-members being fixedly attached to the support rods adjacent the ends thereof, a plurality of extensible linkages mounted between the hinged V-sections in a plane substantially parallel to the plane connecting the end columns, each of said extensible linkages consisting of a plurality of angularly positioned crossed links, each pair of crossed links being pivotally connected adjacent the center thereof, a pair of intermediate cross-members interposed between the pivoted center of each pair of crossed links and the corresponding pair of support rods located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, one end link adjacent each end of each extensible linkage being longer than the other crossed links thereof, a slide member pivotally attached to the projecting end of each longer end link at each end of each extensible linkage, and means fixedly mounted adjacent each end column reciprocatingly supporting each of said slide members.

7. In a foldable closure mechanism having columns at the ends thereof, the combination of a plurality of hinged l-sections mounted in a plane perpendicular to the plane through the end columns, each of said hinged V-sections consisting of a pair of hinged arms pivotally connected to one another at the outer extremities thereof, a pair of rows of aligned support rods mounted substantially parallel to the plane through the end columns, the extreme end of each pair of hinged arms located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis being pivotally attached to the adjacent support rod, a primary cross-member mounted in alignment with each pair of support rods located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, each cross-member being substantially perpendicular to the support rods, each of said primary cross-members being fixedly attached to the support rods located adjacent the ends thereof, a plurality of extensible linkages mounted between the hinged V-sections in a plane substantially parallel to the plane through the end columns, each of said extensible linkages consisting of a plurality of angularly positioned crossed links, means pivotally connecting the center of each pair of crossed links, a pair of auxiliary cross-members fixedly connecting the pivoted center of each pair of crossed links with the corresponding pair of support rods located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, one end link adjacent each end of each extensible linkage being longer than the other crossed links thereof, a slide member pivotally attached to the projecting end of each longer end link adjacent each end of each extensible linkage, an end cross-member mounted adjacent each end column, each end cross-member being fixedly attached to the adjacent support rods, and an auxiliary support rod fixedly attached to each end cross-member reciprocatingly supporting one of said slide members.

8. A foldable closure mechanism having a pair of columns of channel cross-section at the extreme ends thereof, comprising a plurality of hinged V-sections located adjacent the upper and lower edges of said foldable closure mechanism, each of said hinged V-sections consisting of a pair of hinged arms pivotally connected to one another, a pair of rows of support rods mounted substantially parallel to the plane through the channel columns, the ex treme outer ends of each pair of hinged arms located on opposite sides of the longitudinal foldable closure mechanism axis being pivotally attached to the adjacent support rod, a plurality of cross-members mounted in proximity to said hinged V-sections, each of said cross-members being fixedly attached to an aligned pair of support rods, a plurality of extensible linkages mounted between said hinged V-sections in a plane substantially parallel to the plane through the channel end columns, each of said extensible linkages consisting of a plurality of angularly positioned crossed links, means pivotally connecting the center of each pair of crossed links, a pair of auxiliary cross-members fixedly connecting the pivoted connection between the center of each pair of crossed links with the corresponding pair of support rods, a slide member pivotally attached to the projecting end of one angularly positioned crossed link adjacent each end of each extensible linkage, means reciprocatingly supporting each of said slide members, a bumper made of a compressible material attached to one channel end column, said bumper having a plurality of integral fins substantially parallel to the channel end column longitudinal axis, and a fabric cover fitted around the support rods and the adjoining hinged arms.

9. A foldable closure mechanism having a pair of columns at the extreme ends thereof, comprising a pair of channel columns located at opposite ends of the foldable' closure mechanism, a plurality of hinged V-sections located adjacent the extreme upper and lower edges of" said foldable closure mechanism in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane through the channel columns, each of said hinged V-sections consisting of a pair of hinged arms pivotally connected to one another, a pair of rows of support rods mounted substantially parallel to the plane through the channel columns, the extreme outer ends of each pair of hinged arms being pivotally attached to the adjacent support rod, a plurality of cross-members mounted in proximity to said hinged V-sections, each of said cross-members being fixedly attached to a pair of support rods, a plurality of extensible linkages mounted between said hinged V-sections in a plane substantially parallel to the plane through the channel columns, each of said extensible linkages consisting of a plurality of angularly positioned crossed links, means pivotally connecting the center of each pair of crossed links, a pair of auxiliary cross-members fixedly connecting the pivoted connection between the center of each pair crossed links with the corresponding pair of support rods, a slide member pivotally attached to one angularly positioned cross link of each extensible linkage adjacent each end thereof, means reciprocatingly supporting each of said slide members, a slide block fixedly attached to one end of one channel column, a suspension rail slidably supporting the slide block, and a fabric cover fitted around the support rods and the adjoining hinged arms.

10. A foldable closure mechanism having .a pair of columns at the extreme ends thereof, comprising a plurality of hinged V-sections mounted in a plane perpendicular to the plane through the end columns, each of said hinged V-sections consisting of a pair of hinged arms, the outer extremity of each of said hinged arms having a looped end thereon, a pair of rows of support rods mounted substantially parallel to the plane through the end columns, the looped extreme ends of each pair of adjoining hinged aims being pivotally connected to one of the support rods, each pair of hinged arms being outwardly offset relative to the inner loop axis to provide a gap between the inner ends of adjoining hinged arms when the foldable closure mechanism is collapsed, a primary cross-member mounted in plane substantially parallel to the plane through each 1d pair of support rods, each of said primary cross-members being fixedly attached to the support rods adjacent the ends thereof, a plurality of extensible linkages mounted between the hinged V-sections in a plane substantially parallel to the plane through the end columns, each of said extensible linkages consisting of a plurality of angularly positioned crossed links, means pivotally connecting the center of each pair of crossed links, a pair of intermediate cross-members interposed between the pivoted center of each pair of crossed links and the corresponding pair of support rods, a slide member pivotally attached to one angularly positioned crossed link adjacent each end of each extensible linkage, means fixedly mounted adjacent each end column reciprocatingly supporting each of said slide members, a fabric cover fitted around the support rods and the adjoining hinged arms, and means for attaching the fabric cover to the adjacent hinged arm.

11. A foldable closure mechanism having a pair of columns at the extreme ends thereof, comprising a pair of channel columns located at opposite ends of the foldable closure mechanism, a plurality of hinged V-sections located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane through the channel columns, each of said hinged V-sections consisting of a pair of hinged arms pivotally connected to one another, a pair of rows of support rods mounted substantially parallel to the plane through the channel columns at opposite sides of the longitudinal foldable mechanism axis, the extreme outer ends of each pair of hinged arms being pivotally attached to the adjacent support rod, a plurality of cross-members mounted in proximity to said hinged V-sections, each of said crossmembers being fixedly attached to a pair of support rods, a plurality of extensible linkages mounted between said I hinged V-sections in a plane substantially parallel to the plane through the channel columns, each of said extensible linkages consisting of a plurality of angularly positioned crossed links, means pivotally connecting the center of each pair of crossed links, a slide member pivotally attached to one angularly positioned crossed link of each extensible linkage adjacent each end thereof, means reciprocatingly supporting each of said slide members, a slide block mounted adjacent the upper end of each of said channel columns, means fixedly attached to each of the channel columns pivotally supporting the adjacent slide block, each of said blocks having a pair of grooves in the sides thereof, a suspension rail mounted adjacent the upper end of the channel columns, means formed on said suspension rail operative to fit the grooves in the slide blocks to slidably support the slide blocks, and means formed on said suspension rail operative to individually clear the slide blocks to permit slide blocks to be progressively fitted to the suspension rail, the distance between the rows of support rods across the longitudinal foldable mechanism axis being maintained constant regardlessof the width adjustment between the channel columns.

12'. A foldable closure mechanism having a pair of columns at the extreme ends thereof, comprising a plurality of hinged V-sections located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane through the channel columns, each of said hinged V-sections consisting of a pair of hinged arms pivotally connected to. one another, a pair of rows of support rods mounted substantially parallel to the plane through the channel columns, the extreme v outer ends of each pair of hinged arms being pivotally attached to the adjacent support rod, a plurality crossmembers mounted in proximity to said hinged V-sections, each of said cross-members being fixedly attached to an aligned pair of support rods located on opposite sides of the longitudinal foldabl'e mechanism axis, a plurality of exetnsible linkages mounted between said hinged V-sections in a plane substantially'parallel to the plane through the channel columns, each of said extensible linkages consisting of a plurality of angularly positioned crossed links, means pivotally connecting the center of each pair 17 of crossed links, a slide member pivotally attached to the projecting end of one angularly positioned crossed link adjacent each end of each extensible linkage, means reciprocatingly supporting each of said slide members, a pair of auxiliary cross-members fixedly connecting the pivoted connection between the center of each pair of crossed links with the corresponding pair of support rods, one of said channel columns having a pair of aligned flanges integral therewith with a gap between the aligned flanges, a bumper made of a compressible material fitted to the flanges of the flanged channel column, said bumper having a plurality of integral fins substantially parallel to the channel column longitudinal axis, said bumper having a pair of grooves in the sides thereof in alignment with the channel column flanges, and a fabric cover fitted around the support rods and the adjoining hinged arms, the adjacent ends of said fabric cover being wrapped around the channel column flanges, the grooves in the References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,698,996 Nordell Jan. 15, 1929 1,878,073 Vansant Sept. 20, 1932 2,321,507 Oberdorfer et al. a- June 8, 1943 2,584,111 Brenner et al Feb. 5, 1952 2,599,860 Planeaux June 10, 1952 2,655,211 Schaap Oct. 13, 1953 FOREIGN PATENTS 934,132 France Jan. 7, 1948 

